Police in the Sudanese capital Khartoum have used tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators supporting UN worker Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein. She and two other women are on trial before a Khartoum court for wearing indecent clothing.

Early this month, the three women were arrested in a restaurant for wearing trousers ,which is illegal under Sudan's strictly Islamic legal system. Ten other women received ten lashes and a fine two days afterwards for the same misdemeanor.

There was some commotion when Ms Hussein appeared in court wearing trousers on the first day of her trial. Some of her many female supporters crowding the courthouse also wore trousers.

The case has been adjourned until 7 September to determine whether or not Ms al-Hussein enjoys diplomatic immunity.